Sorting, step by step
Bag in place
Bag items where they lie, with gloves and eye protection, and label each bag by room.
Rate exposure
Near the release, in the same room, or elsewhere in the home.
Check the care label
Machine washable, dry clean only, or not cleanable.
Decide
Launder, send to a professional cleaner, replace, or hold for the adjuster.
Record
Write each decision on the sheet with a photo reference.
Sorting sheet
| Item | Room | Exposure | Care label | Decision | Photo # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duvet and sheets | Bedroom 1 | Same room | Machine wash | Launder separately, twice if needed | |
| Couch | Living room | Near release | Fixed cushions | Hold for adjuster | |
| Child's stuffed toys | Bedroom 2 | Elsewhere | Surface wash | Replace | |
When to lean toward replacing
Foam pillows, mattresses without removable covers, stuffed toys, and anything a baby or toddler uses are often replaced rather than cleaned, because residue works deep into foam and stuffing and children are more sensitive. Items near the point of release, or soaked by bear spray, are harder to save than items lightly dusted in another room.
Washable clothing and bedding can usually be saved with separate, hot washes per the care label.
Questions for each item
- How close was it to the release?
- Can its cover be removed and washed?
- Does a child or someone with asthma use it?
- What would replacing it cost compared with professional cleaning?
- Does the adjuster need to see it first?
Keeping clean items clean
Once items are laundered or cleaned, store them away from areas still being worked on, in sealed bags or bins, until the home is ready. Otherwise they pick up residue again from dust in the air or contaminated surfaces.
Common questions
Can dry-clean-only items be saved?
Often, if the cleaner knows what the item was exposed to. Tell them before they accept it.
Should items be laundered at home or at a laundromat?
At home is usually better, so residue does not end up in shared machines. Wash exposed items alone and run an empty cycle afterward.
What about shoes and bags?
Wipe hard shoes and leather with detergent outdoors; wash fabric shoes and bags separately if the label allows.
Are curtains usually saved?
Washable curtains usually are. Heavy drapes can go to a cleaner told about the exposure.
How long can bagged items wait?
Sealed bags can wait several days, but launder or clean them as soon as practical so residue does not set.
General information for Berkeley, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.